Exploring barriers, motivators and solutions to achieve a healthy lifestyle among undergraduate student nurses.

Abstract

Many preregistration student nurses tend to be overweight or obese and have unhealthy lifestyles. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of these issues, to identify barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle as well as potential solutions, and to explore the use of smartphone health apps. An online questionnaire examined diet and physical activity habits, general health and attitudes to eHealth. An in-class questionnaire with a new sample assessed current lifestyle, barriers to healthier living, support needed to achieve goals and the use of health apps. Half of student nurses were overweight or obese and only 41% met the recommended levels of physical activity. An in-class questionnaire revealed that more than half of them wanted to have a better diet and to exercise more. Generally, student nurses were not satisfied with their current lifestyles. A lack of motivation and time were the most frequently reported barriers; an intervention focusing on motivational support could be an acceptable and effective means of achieving and sustaining positive behaviour change.